Richard L. Byrne

79, passed away peacefully November 23, 2011 with his family by his side. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Louise; children Thomas, Monica, Carol and Barbara; sister Joellen Durban; and six grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son, Michael. He loved his family, his church, golfing and travel. He was a gregarious, funny, generous, kind man who was loved by many and missed by all. Welcome and Aloha! Dick loved to greet people with that expression, which he adopted when he lived in Hawaii. The family appreciates you all coming and the opportunity to recall Dick's joyful and memorable life. Richard Leo Byrne ""Dick"" was born in 1932, in Rushville, Indiana. His dad, Bernard, was an insurance salesman and his mom, Sylvia, was a homemaker. He had 2 brothers, James and Gene, and 2 sisters, Jackie and JoEllen. He was the baby of the family. Growing up, he was a Hoosier at heart, playing basketball throughout high school and earning a scholarship to Xavier University where he played varsity ball. He enlisted in the army during the Korean War and was selected to play on the Army basketball team, where he honorably served his Country. In 1957, he met his wife Louise while working in accounting for Union Carbide in Bishop, California. It was love at first sight and they married within 4 months. They recently celebrated their 54 year anniversary. Dick and Louise moved to San Jose, California, where Dick worked two jobs and went to San Jose State University on the G.I. Bill, earning an MBA. Eventually, they moved to Huntington Beach and had five children: Michael, Thomas, Monica, Carol and Barbara. Michael passed away in 2000 after battling colon cancer. Dick worked as an accountant for Hunt foods where he expanded their product line beyond ketchup. During this period he also worked in sales for a food and beverage company. In 1968 he began a career with Control Data Corporation (CDC) as a manager which involved a move for him, Louise and their five children to Hawaii. Dick celebrated the move to a tropical paradise by buying a 1963 Mustang convertible, which he drove with the top down to work every day across the Pali Highway. He also often took a swim at Kailua Beach before work. Dick loved everything about Hawaii, especially the beaches, the sunshine, and the Aloha spirit, which he embraced whole heartedly and continued to share with others throughout his life. In 1969, when CDC's contract ended in Hawaii, Dick transferred to a regional manager position in Maryland. He was named regional manager of the year there in 1979 and again in 1981 and 1982. The family lived in a 200 year old farm house with 52 acres of land in Thurmont, Maryland. There they raised many animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, goats, horses, pigs, and cows. The children were active in 4H and Dick helped the boys raise Black Angus steers as a 4H project. This was a new experience for everyone and often the Byrne animals would be found around town due to poor fencing. It was an adventurous time that ended in 1980, when Dick accepted a promotion with CDC that took the family to Denver, Colorado, where he stayed with the company until he retired in 1987. During retirement he was very involved here at St. Thomas More in Bible Group, Knights of Columbus, and spent some time on the accounting staff. He took over the Discovery Job Network, a service that matched people with jobs. There he was an early director of the non-profit organization headquartered here at St. Thomas More. He used his computer background and marketing skills to expand the network from 3 churches to over 40 members, including a synagogue and a Christian radio station. His efforts were responsible for getting many people jobs in a difficult job market. Throughout his life Dick was a devout Catholic. His strong Irish Catholic heritage resulted in his strong faith and his brother Jim's calling to the priesthood. Dick and Louise have been parishioners of St. Thomas More for over thirty years. After he retired he enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and visiting family and friends. He was an entertaining speaker and always had a story for any occasion. He was also a formidable golfer, as anyone who has ever challenged him to a game has learned. His prowess was highlighted by one of his proudest moments, a hole-in-one in Paharo Dunes, Watsonville, California in 1983. He was very proud of that accomplishment and would mention it every once in a while (understatement). A testimony to Dick's endearing personality is the fact that all his kids and their friends hung out at Dick's house, playing pool, partying, and socializing. In his later years he took much pleasure in being a grandfather to Maya, Kayla, Nicholas, Kai, Michael and William. The love of Dick's life was his wife Louise. He always wanted to be with her and they were inseparable. His first concern was always Louise's welfare. Many people have called and visited with stories of their memories of Dick and the recurring themes are his warmth, humor, and generosity. As a dear relative wrote, Dick was always filled with the spirit of Aloha and treated others with kindness. He was much loved and will be greatly missed. Thank you all for coming and please join us in the reception hall following this service for more fellowship and shared memories of Dick. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 8035 South Quebec Strett, Centennial 80112. Memorial contributions may be made in Dick's name to Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence Street, Denver 80205. Please share your memories of Dick and condolences with his family by signing the Guestbook.